Events will be taking place in Sir Bobby's native North East, at the Football centre which bears his name in Ushaw Moor, Durham, attended by his widow, Lady Elsie.

There will also be a women's football festival at St George’s Park, a beach soccer event in Dorset, a Respect event at Netherton United in Peterborough, and a tournament and coaching session at AC Paulista FC in Lewisham, London.

Naming the event after Sir Bobby, who steered England to within a penalty shoot-out of the World Cup Final in 1990, demonstrates once again the reverence in which the former Three Lions player and manager is held.

(Image: Getty)

And Hodgson, the latest inheritor of the ''poisoned chalice'' of carrying the nation's burden of expectations, can think of no better recipient of the honour.

Robson said: ''I think it is great that Sir Bobby's name is used in connection with the National Football Day.

''You really could not find a man more energetic, more enthusiastic, more committed to football at all levels.

''With Bobby it was not only the seniors. He was always talking about the younger players at his club and how talented they were.

''I think for a grassroots day and grassroots football is very, very important.

''I hope it is something we can expand upon and improve upon and it's great that Bobby Robson's name is associated with it.''